as in wary
having or showing a close attentiveness to avoiding danger or trouble
a guarded man who knew better than to reveal such delicate information guarded actions
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in protected
to drive danger or attack away from
guard the quarterback so he doesn't get sacked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blockaded
to disallow entry into (a place) by means of a physical barrier at the entry point
a fire-breathing dragon guarded the entrance to the castle
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of guarded
Bryce Miller Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2022
After his relationship with Jan (Amy Ryan) ended dramatically, Charles (Steve Martin) is even more guarded with his heart in season two.
—Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover, Town & Country, 21 Dec. 2022
Julia Amberger, Nanni Fontana, Marzio Mian, & Nicola Scevola (tr. Elettra Pauletto), The Dial, 3 Apr. 2025
Taiwan’s western coastline, facing the Chinese mainland, has relatively few beaches or ports where landing is easy, and those areas are relatively well guarded.
—Chris Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Adjective
You’re very guarded.
—Bryce Miller Columnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Jan. 2022
After his relationship with Jan (Amy Ryan) ended dramatically, Charles (Steve Martin) is even more guarded with his heart in season two.
—Emma Fraser and Sophie Brookover, Town & Country, 21 Dec. 2022
Verb
The docks and logistics areas, which are managed by the Maltese Federation of Aquaculture Producers, are as tightly guarded as a military zone.
—Julia Amberger, Nanni Fontana, Marzio Mian, & Nicola Scevola (tr. Elettra Pauletto), The Dial, 3 Apr. 2025
Taiwan’s western coastline, facing the Chinese mainland, has relatively few beaches or ports where landing is easy, and those areas are relatively well guarded.
—Chris Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for guarded
Recent Examples of Synonyms for guarded
Adjective
-
Those in disaster-prone states, such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) in Florida, hold a pessimistic view of FEMA and are wary of affording it greater power.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
26 May 2025
-
While some swear by the cleaning product for disinfecting their dishwasher, others may be wary and opt for something different.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Just as Warner Bros had given Jane’s true creative freedom, from their recording sessions to making their own videos, American facilitated and protected Deconstruction’s art.—
Aaron Gilbreath,
SPIN,
31 Dec. 2024
-
But the ecosystem is far from protected, and there are now more than 750 million devices vulnerable to attack.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Just a few months prior, Blackbeard and his small pirate flotilla had blockaded Charleston, South Carolina, for close to a week.—
Eli Wizevich,
Smithsonian Magazine,
22 Nov. 2024
-
Military vehicles and local and state police blockaded the route into the town center.—
Jessica Pishko,
The New Yorker,
16 Oct. 2024
Adjective
-
The Chiefs, who have a history of being cautious with their rookies during summer practices, nonetheless had Simmons participate in non-team drills during rookie minicamp last month.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2025
-
Be cautious not to overuse vinegar in the dishwasher, as the acid can degrade certain rubber components, like gaskets and filters.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
This rivalry continued into Survivor Series 2012, where Punk defended his title in a triple threat match against Ryback and John Cena.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
-
That’s how the Chiefs defended slot receivers last year.—
Sam McDowell,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Students and their allies barricaded themselves inside the hall with furniture and padlocks in a major escalation of campus protests.—
Jake Offenhartz,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Rosa Woods eventually barricaded herself in the bathroom and called her son, according to court documents.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
12 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
To remove the paint from hinge mortises, remove the hinges and scrape away the paint using a 5-in-1 tool or a chisel, being careful not to cut into the wood itself.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 May 2025
-
This thing is razor sharp though, be careful when using it in the backcountry.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Be alert to warning signs: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2025
-
But her watchful, alert bearing imbues the character with a sort of unspoken backstory.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Guarded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/guarded. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share